After going 4-16 in 2021-22, Sacred Heart Cathedral wins 12th CCS crown with Open championship over Serra

Second-year coach Caesar Smith brings home surprising crown from the seventh seed thanks largely to 24 points from football star RL Miller

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The west end of the Leavey Center was a sea of green at Friday night's Central Coast Section Open Division championship. Players from Sacred Heart Cathedral, a No. 7 seed, ran to their adoring cheering section after a 64-59 triumph over No. 4 Serra.

In his second season as head coach of the Irish, Caesar Smith brought home the first place hardware to his alma mater (class of '98).

Last season didn't go as well. The Irish were 4-16 in Smith's first year.

"We beat a good team," Smith said. "My kids gave a lot of effort. It was a great game.""

The Irish celebrate their 12th section boys basketball crown. Photo: Darren Yamashita

This was the 12th section crown for the Irish and second at the Open Division level. Their last crown was in 2019 when it took a surprising Open Division title. Considering the Irish is 16-12 and tied for third in the West Catholic Athletic League at 7-7, not as surprising as this one. 

Serra (17-11) was a surprise finalist also, having shocked WCAL champion and the Open's No. 1 seed Mitty 50-49 on the road Wednesday. The Padres and SHC split two earlier meetings, each winning on the road. 

Serra won at Sacred Heart Cathedral 75-56 on Jan. 26 and the Irish returning the favor 63-59 a couple weeks later in San Mateo. SHC won the rubber match, though the teams could face off again in next week's CIF Northern California regional.  

"Give credit to Sacred Heart Cathedral," Serra coach Chuck Rapp said. "They hit some big buckets and made some plays. We had trouble shooting the ball. Not sure if it was being in a big gym like this. Both teams battled."

Irish had a flashy star in guard RL. Miller, who had a game-high 24 points. Miller hit two 3-pointers in the first period, then gave the "3" sign to the raucous Serra crowd for good measure. Miller was consistent, scoring 12 points in each half. 

Miller will play football at Fresno State.He might think about sticking with basketball also. 

RL Miller grabs a loose ball. Photo: Darren Yamashita. 

"We played with heart," Miller said. "It was a great win for us."

Miller had a 2-handed jam midway through the third period that sent the Irish faithful to their feet. 

Said Rapp: "Miller didn't hurt us during our league games like he did (tonight). He made some big shots."

RL Miller, Sacred Heart Cathedral. Photo: John Reid

The Irish had three other players in double figures — Michael Manfreda (14 pts), Jerry Mixon Jr. (12 pts) and Fedrick Pernell (10 pts). Mixon is another football star — the Irish feature a half dozen on the basketball roster — he's a 4-star recruit headed to Oregon. 

The Padres were paced by Aidan Carleson, who had 18 points. Another football standout — this one for Serra — Seamus Gilmartin had 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Irish held high-scoring guard Ryan Pettis to five points.

Both teams will find out where they will be seeded in the upcoming NorCal playoffs on Sunday.

All photos below by Darren Yamashita

Photo: Darren Yamashita